BMW has released a one-two punch of exciting news for those who love battery electric Ultimate Driving Machines. BMW of North America announced that drivers of BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the U.S. and Canada will gain access to designated Tesla Supercharger stations in early 2025.
President & CEO, BMW of North America Sebastian Mackensen says, “With six fully electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models now available in the U.S. market, and more to come, it is our top priority to ensure that our drivers have easy access to reliable, fast charging. This agreement is the latest in our longstanding and continued effort to expand charging options for our customers as we continue on the road to electrification.”
A “seamless customer experience” is already in the works, which will allow BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce drivers to use their vehicle’s display to find available Superchargers. BMW states, “As part of the arrangement, the BMW Group will also adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its battery electric vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.”
The new i5 sedan, coming early 2024.
Independent of the Tesla agreement, BMW NA has also committed to partnering with six other automakers to “build a new, high-powered electric vehicle charging network in North America,” with plans for over 30,000 new chargers across the country. BMW says, “The joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.”
All of this impending charging infrastructure will be handy for new i5 owners as BMW has also announced the newest electrified 5 Series will hit the road in spring of 2024. Yes, that includes the i5 Touring elsewhere, but we’re only receiving the i5 sedan on our shores. While the newest 5 Series wagon won’t be coming to the U.S. in “i5” guise, it will be available as an M car.
With the upcoming G99 M5 Touring expected to be a plug-in hybrid, sporting the same S68 twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 48V hybrid system found in the XM, lucky owners will have Tesla’s Supercharger network on tap as the long-roof M rocket ship is also anticipated for 2025.—Mike Bevels
[Photos courtesy of BMW.]
